They join seven other nominees from all across the musical map: John Mellencamp, Leonard Cohen, Afrika Bambaataa, Chic, the Ventures, Donna Summer and the Dave Clark Five. Cohen, Bambaataa, Summer and the Ventures are also first-time nominees. Five of them will be chosen to be inducted into the hall in March.

To be eligible, artists must have released their first singles no later than 1982. Madonna first hit the scene that year with "Everybody," while the Beasties released their first EP, Pollywog Stew.

It makes sense that both Madonna and the Beasties would end up in the hall eventually, but I think it's great to see them recognized so soon. If I were a voter, those two would definitely make my final five. Of the nine nominees, which five would you want to get in?